There is always another way.

Disclaimer: I do not own Mass Effect, James Cameron's Avatar, or any of the properties thereof. I not making money off of these writings.

There is always another way: Epilogue.

'These indicate normal thoughts.'
'This indicates Telepathy.'

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Conference Room, IMA 'Fafnir', Pandora Orbit.

"Lord Commandant Lucien has suspected for some time there was a, shall we say person of interest to Exo-Geni on Arcturus. We managed to flush him out with this operation. He's already been given the blood eagle." General Sanders finished.

"So he sent the 3rd MCB here for insurance?" Commodore Raslov asked.

Sanders nodded, "Yes. It is unfortunate that we didn't arrive earlier, but take some comfort in the fact that this operation has definitely saved a lot of lives. The Empress has declared Exo-Geni outlawed. Their operatives are being hunted down, their operations uncovered and stopped. An assault force is being readied to hit Noveria. Now that we know they are a front for Cerberus we can take appropriate action. I'm sure you all will receive commendations for this operation."

"Now that Exo-Geni is out of the way, and the Na'vi are friendly, we can begin mining the crystal in earnest as well. What's the word on that?" Everett asked.

"A full Sector Fleet is being sent to protect this area. MarMinCorp and Altos-Mercury are both sending equipment and personnel to set up full operations here. Sirta Bio-Tech, Jormangund, Ariake, Hahne-Kedar, Rosenkov and Kassa are also sending operations here. A Bernal-5 is being towed for an orbital base of operations. A Merchant Sector fleet full of engineers and supplies is also on it's way. We are going to uplift our new brethren." Sanders finished.

"Once we can demonstrate the benefits of working with the Empire, the other tribes will fall in line easily. This is a glorious day for the Na'vi." Queen Mo'at stated.

"It is a glorious day for us all Queen Mo'at. The crystal will revolutionize our weapons design. Instead of being light-years ahead of the rest of the species in technology soon we shall be entire galaxies ahead." Sanders replied.

"More than that, it's rare that we get to add another race so unequivocally to the Empire. Especially one as similar as yourselves. You will be the Fifth Imperial Race, afforded full status beside us Terrans." Everett said.

"Praise be." Raslov intoned.

"Your Gods are very kind. Your kind are honorable and Noble and strong. We shall serve." The Queen stated.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medical Ward, IMA 'Fafnir'.

"So we Na'vi are that similar to you Humans?" Neytiri asked the Medical Officer.

Regan nodded, "Yep. Your internal architecture is very, very similar to a Highborn's. Your genetic base code has the same markers as the rest of the Imperial Races as well, you're fertile with the rest of us."

"The Na'vi are an Imperial Race then. That's incredible." Everett said.

"I can bear Human children then? That explains why I reacted to strongly to your pheromones, Aaron. What about Biotics?" Neytiri asked.

"That is a little bit trickier. I'm not sure if a Na'vi's unique structure would prevent stable connectors from forming or not. An Inquisition Geneticist could determine that for certain. Between your organ and Nervous System structure you are completely compatible with any implants that work for a Terran though, and we've already determined you can breath standard Nitrox fine." Regan answered.

"Have you implanted her then?" Everett asked.

"Yes indeed. Princess Neytiri, you are now protected by Terran Nanites. Your Neural Net should be online too." Regan explained.

"Thank you Doctor." She replied, smiling.

The Medbay Comm panel activated, "Commander Everett, Princess Neytiri, your presence is requested in the conference room immediately."

"Are we done here Doctor?" Everett asked.

"Oh yes. Just take it easy on interfacing for a few hours, and don't worry about any headaches, it's normal." Regan explained.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Conference Room, IMA 'Fafnir', Pandora Orbit.

There were two black armored Marines guarding the doorway, they acknowledged Everett as he approached.

'They're Black Squad Marines. An elite unit, they report directly to the Inquisition.' He thought to Neytiri.

'I see. I wonder why we're being summoned here.' She thought back.

As they walked in the doors they saw a man sitting on the other side of the table. The man was pale, he looked tall, even for a Highborn, in long black robes. Obviously an Inquisitor.

"Commander Everett, Princess Neytiri, please have a seat. I am Inquisitor Jerred Dalton." He greeted.

"Inquisitor Dalton, sir, it's an honor to meet you." Everett replied.

'He's an assistant to the Empress herself. He's a very powerful figure in Terran politics, there are rumors he's the Lord Inquisitor, leader of the Inquisition itself.' Aaron explained to Neytiri.

"Likewise Commander, you're a very talented man. Veteran of the First Contact War, a dozen regional conflicts, highly decorated Marine, a Noble and a Telepath. We have had our eyes on you for some time." The Inquisitor said.

"You flatter me Inquisitor." Aaron replied.

"I assume you've already explained the significance of this to your mate?" Dalton asked.

Aaron nodded, "Yes. We're bonded."

"Good." The Inquisitor said, "Commander, your actions down there were incredible. You went out to a hostile people alone, unsupported, to negotiate a peaceful end to what would otherwise have turned into genocide. Answer me something, truthfully. If you had been unable to convince the Na'vi to cooperate, what would you have done?"

Aaron looked Dalton in the eye, "I would have fought with them, against the Empire if need be. I swore a long time ago I would not, could not, allow such a thing to happen. I would have broken my oaths to uphold my oaths, to uphold what Terra stands for."

Dalton smiled, "You are very brave Commander. Some might consider that kind of talk treason. They would be wrong. You represent the best things we Humans stand for: Courage, Honor, Justice. You understand that we are ruthless when we must be, but you also understand that is not our highest calling. On top of this you are a true terror on the battlefield, do you know the kill count from the battle?"

"I do not sir." Aaron said.

"You personally accounted for 1478 kills, 214 of those Avatars. Cerberus managed to amass nearly 40,000 troops on the world under our noses. They threw everything into that fight and lost, severely. Your squad, your Na'vi accounted for a total of almost 3,000. More than any other single squad in that battle. You inspire those around you, and they inspire you in turn. A shining example of a Human Telepath."

The Inquisitor paused for a moment, then continued, "I'm offering you a chance to join the reformed Imperial Spectres."

Aaron's eyes grew large, his shock registering with Neytiri through their connection.

'What is a Spectre?' She asked him.

Aaron shook himself, 'Imperial Spectres are officials, lone agents of the Empress, given authority to break any law, draw upon any resource to assure the safety and stability of the Empire, no matter the cost. Simply put, they are men and women of incredible power, political and otherwise.'

"A Spectre.. that's an incredible honor Inquisitor." Aaron replied.

"I don't need to be a Telepath to know what you're thinking right now Commander. You are a perfect candidate for an Imperial Spectre. You value Honor and Justice above all. You're an incredibly skilled warrior. You could make a difference, show the other races why we call ourselves Nobles. You would have the freedom and latitude to solve problems as you see fit, whether that is through violence or diplomacy. The Empress wants someone like you in the ranks. Someone who believes the ends justify the means, but not every time." Dalton stated.

"As a Spectre, I could choose my own ship and crew?" Aaron asked.

The Inquisitor chuckled a bit at that, "Of course. You would be free to bring Na'vi along if you wished."

Aaron sensed Neytiri's thoughts on the matter, smiling, "I accept Inquisitor."

"That is very good news Commander. We will reach Arcturus in two weeks for the ceremony, and then you can pick your ship. Gather any Na'vi you wish to bring, we break orbit in 4 hours." Dalton finished.

Aaron rose, then thought of something, "I have one request Inquisitor."

"Of course." Dalton stated.

"I want Rev'Lar for my squad as well." He said.

"I'm sure Veteran Rev'Lar will be glad to hear that. I will make the necessary arrangements. Welcome to the Inner Ranks of the Empire, Aaron Everett." The Inquisitor replied.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Luco Village, Pandora.

"It is good to see you again before you leave my friend." Aytucan said as they walked.

"Same. I see the Combat Engineers worked their magic on the village." Aaron replied.

The Royal Guard nodded, "Your people are incredible. The village is as good as it was before the attack, better even. It would have taken we Na'vi many weeks to make these repairs, and yet you finished it in two days. The weapons you left us, the Mass Accelerator weapons as you call them, are wonderful as well. We've taken more meat in the last two days than we have over the course of months."

"That's all just the side benefits. Wait until we start introducing agriculture and industry. Your people are going to receive your fair share of the profits from the mining, you'll be able to finance anything you could possibly want. Ships, infrastructure, colonies." Aaron said.

"I understand there is already talk of colonizing another of the worlds in our system. The Queen's new Terran advisor, Inquisitor Shepard, believes it will be necessary to fuel the population growth he is proposing. It would be an adventure to see another world, but as a Royal Guard I doubt they will allow me to join the effort." Aytucan replied.

Aaron could sense the Na'vi's disappointment at this, though it hadn't been betrayed in his voice. He smiled, seeing his chance, "I might have a solution to that."

Aytucan's curiosity was piqued at this, "How?"

"I've been given a rare opportunity. I'm being made an Imperial Spectre. They're agents of nearly limitless latitude and great power. I can form my own crew and squad from whoever I wish. I would like you to come with me, you will make a good soldier." Aaron said.

Aytucan didn't hesitate, "I bled beside you defending this village, it will be an honor to do it again on far flung worlds."

"I knew you'd say that. How do you think Tsu'Tey and Akwey would react?" Aaron asked.

"Akwey idolizes you after that fight. I do not think he would have survived if you hadn't been there. Tsu'Tey is infatuated with Humans, I'm certain she'd accept. It might cause issues with the Princess however." Aytucan replied.

"I can deal with that if it comes. Gather whatever you wish to bring, the ship leaves soon, I'll find Tsu'Tey and Akwey." Aaron said.

-------------------------------------
Everett found Tsu'Tey and Akwey outside the High Hall, sitting at a small rotunda and playing some type of board game.

"Tsu'Tey, Akwey." He greeted as he walked up.

"Commander, Aaron, hello." Tsu'Tey greeted warmly.

Akwey shot up, almost standing at attention, "Commander."

Aaron smirked, "At ease, sit. How are you two?"

"I'm good Commander. I, we, are heroes now. I've been sitting and listening to the skalds singing about our deeds on the East Wall for the past two nights." Akwey replied.

"And feasting at the Queen's table. It is.. wonderful now. The entire village is filled with a sense of hope and accomplishment. It's incredible." Tsu'Tey added.

"That sounds wonderful." Aaron commented.

"It is. I'm sorry that you'll be leaving though. I enjoyed fighting beside you. The only reason we Na'vi are here is because of you. We will never forget that." Tsu'Tey stated.

"That's actually what I came to talk about. You two are great warriors. I'm being.. promoted is the best way to put it, and I have the opportunity to staff a ship and crew with anyone I wish. I'd like both of you to join me. Aytucan has already agreed to come." Aaron finished.

Tsu'Tey let out a trilling cry of some kind, leaping at him and they both hit the ground, "Yes! Thank you, thank you."

"Tsu'Tey, don't kill him!" Akwey scolded.

Aaron hugged her back, "You're welcome. You earned it." He turned his head, looking at Akwey, "So what do you say?"

The youth looked strange for a moment, then said, "Uhuru?"

Aaron laughed at that, "That's not how you use that, but it's good enough. Tsu'Tey, let me up."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Launch Deck, IMA 'Fafnir', Pandora Orbit.

The last of the Marine Landers and Ospreys were about to take off. Everett and the others were on the deck, saying their final goodbyes.

The Queen was standing near one of the Landers, with an Inquisitor, talking with the General and the Commodore.

The Inquisitor ducked out, walking over to where Everett and his squad were standing.

"Commander, I wanted to meet you before you left. Inquisitor Benjamin Shepard, newly appointed advisor to Queen Mo'at of the Na'vi." He greeted, with a slight bow.

"Good to meet you Inquisitor. I hear you're already doing good things for the Na'vi." Everett said.

"Indeed. They are an incredible race. I think when we finish uplifting them they will truly make a mark on the galaxy, by our side of course." Inquisitor Shepard replied.

"We shall be the most loyal of the Imperial Races, we will prove it." Queen Mo'at stated, walking up.

"My Queen." Inquisitor Shepard said.

"I have no doubt of that Queen Mo'at. You have already proved yourselves to us." Everett replied.

The Queen walked forward, standing in front of his squad, "Guards Aytucan, Tsu'Tey, Akwey, you are released from your duties and obligations as my Royal Guards. Go forth and serve our new Lords, be the ambassadors of our race, prove us to the rest of the galaxy."

"It shall be done." Aytucan stated.

"We shall serve." Akwey agreed.

The Queen walked over to Neytiri, hugging her, "I fear it will be a long time before I see you again daughter. But I know you are in good hands. When you return, I look forward to hearing of your grand adventures, and meeting my grandchildren."

They were both putting on stoic fronts, but inside their emotions were rolling.

"I promise mother. We shall return as often as we can." Neytiri replied, holding back tears.

Queen Mo'at smiled, moving to Aaron, "I'll take good care of her Queen Mo'at." He said.

"I know you will, Aaron Everett. There will always be a place here for you, we shall never forget what you have done. I expect both of my progeny, my daughter and her new mate to return safely." She finished, embracing him.

"I'm planning on it." Aaron replied as she pulled away.

"It is time for us to part ways. We shall meet again. Take care of your charges Aaron Everett. Good bye." The Queen stated, then turned and walked toward the lander.

Inquisitor Shepard didn't follow immediately, "Commander, one last thing. Would you do me a favor?"

"What is it?" Aaron replied.

"I'm sure you'll see my brother during the course of your duties, if you would pass along a message for me." He asked.

Aaron thought for a moment, "I'm guessing you mean John Shepard, the first Human Spectre? Certainly."

Inquisitor Shepard grinned, "Thanks Commander. Just tell him I said hello, and that I won."

Aaron arched an eyebrow, "Alright, I'll pass it along. Mind if I.."

"You'll figure it out, just take a picture of his face when you tell him, that will be priceless. I must join the Queen now, good hunting and great fortune. Commander Everett, Princess Neytiri, Veteran Rev'Lar, I wish you well." The Inquisitor finished, heading to the Queen's lander.

'What was that about?' Neytiri thought.

'No idea, Inquisitors have mental protections that make them nearly impossible to read. I'm sure we'll find out eventually. You alright?' Aaron asked.

'Of course I am fine, I'm with you.' She replied.

"Well I'm hungry. Who else wants to raid the mess?" Rev'Lar asked.

Aytucan and Akwey replied in the affirmative.

Aaron grinned, "Alright people, let's get you all squared away. Then we can eat."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End of Epilogue.